Continuous flow watering device for pets

ABSTRACT

A continuous watering device for small pets which produces minimal noise and splashing, the watering device having a lower container for holding water, a submersible pump to pump water to an elevated height, a upper reservoir to clean the water as it enters the reservoir, and a smooth and curved ramp to support water as it slides downward and into the lower container. The continuous watering device uses flowing water to attract small pets and to provide clean water by continuously circulating the water thereby reducing the growth rate of bacteria and fungus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to pet watering devices, more particularly to acontinuous waterer device for pets whereby water is circulated toprovide continuous running water for animals.

2. Description of Related Art

Animal watering devices that create flowing water to attract small petsis well known in the art; however, these devices create unwanted noisesand splashing, a nuisance to pet owners. These unwanted noises oftenfrighten pets which makes them reluctant to approach such devices.

In addition, prior art watering devices do not provide an automatic,simple and spill free method to replenish the water supply lost fromevaporation or use. Re-filling these watering devices are performed bycarrying the device to a water source, or by emptying water into thedevice from a second receptacle, such as a cup or jar. This creates aninconvenience for pet owners and requires frequent monitoring of thewater level because there is no means to automatically re-fill thedevice to maintain a minimum water level. While some devices disclose asecondary reservoir to continuously replenish the water supply, spillingwill inevitably occur when replacing the secondary reservoirs becausethe bottles must be inverted in order to be attached to the watererdevice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The continuous waterer device disclosed herein has a unique structureand operation that causes the operation of the device to produce minimalnoise and minimal splashing. The waterer preferably comprises a lowercontainer to hold water so that the pet may drink therefrom. Asubmersible pump is located in the lower container to circulate waterfrom the lower container to an upper reservoir where the water can befiltered. The pump is positioned in the lower container so that thesuction ports are fully submerged in order to reduce the noiseassociated with the operation of the pump. The filter removes debrissuch as cat hair, dirt, etc. that may collect in the water. The waterexits the upper reservoir onto a ledge that directs the flow of wateronto a continuous and curved ramp. The ledge is shaped to produce silentand laminar flow down the center of the continuous ramp until the waterreaches the lower container.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a removable andportable storage reservoir is optionally provided to continuouslyreplenish and maintain a minimum water level in the lower container whenwater loss occurs from evaporation or use. The storage reservoircomprises a valve that is automatically opened when placed on thecontinuous waterer such that water can be gravity fed into the lowercontainer when the water falls below a predetermined level. After thestorage reservoir is emptied, it is removed from the waterer apparatusand carried to a water source for re-filling. When filled with water,water cannot leak from the reservoir as the valve is closed due to theweight of the water pushing down on the valve. The reservoir can then betransported from the re-fill source back to the watering device with nospilling. The storage reservoir is preferably translucent or clear toallow users to observe the water level without disassembling theapparatus.

In another aspect of the present invention, the device is configured toprovide substantially silent operation by insuring that the submersiblepump of the device remains submerged as the animal drinks water. Therate of flow from the portable storage reservoir into the lowercontainer is such that the water level in the lower container will bemaintained above the level of the suction port of the submersible pumpas the water from the portable storage reservoir gravity feeds into thelower container. This feature maintains silent operation of the pumpingapparatus regardless of whether or not water is delivered to the lowercontainer in a non-splashing manner.

In an alternate embodiment, water is stored in a lower container andpumped via a submersible pump directly to the ledge via a lift tube.Water is dispersed from the lift tube onto the ledge where the water isdirected onto the curved ramp for flow back into the lower container.

This apparatus provides numerous advantages for both the pets and theirowners. The continuous flow of water provides a sanitary drinkingenvironment for the pet as the water circulation reduces the bacteriadevelopment in the container. Furthermore, it provides nutritionalaspects by helping to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, whichoften occur in pets as a result of insufficient water intake. It hasbeen observed that small animals, especially cats, are attracted torunning water; thus, by providing a water bowl having running water, theattraction will cause pets to drink with greater frequency. Thus, theincreased water intake will reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.In addition, because pets are attracted to the flow of water, they areless likely to drink from sinks, toilets, tubs, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the lower container and curved ramp.

FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the lower container detailing the curvedramp, the front container, and the rear container.

FIG. 5. shows a top plan view of the water processing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the water processing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portable storage reservoir.

FIG. 8 is a elevation view of the portable storage reservoir.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the screw on cap.

FIG. 10 is a section view taken along line 10—10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the watering apparatus lid.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, continuous waterer apparatus 18 comprises alower container 20, a submersible pump 56, a water processing apparatus42 and a removable storage reservoir 62. Taken together, lower container20, pump 56, processing system 42 and reservoir 62 form an automaticwatering device 18 for small pets that continually pumps, filters andcirculates water with minimal noise and splashing to attract pets. Thisdevice pumps water from lower container 20 to a predetermined heightwhere it is released onto ramp 24 and back into the lower container 20for re-circulation. The movement of water maintains a fresh supply ofwater for pets to drink as the turbulence caused by the flowing waterreduces the growth of bacteria and fungus.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, lower container 20 comprises a forwardcontainer 22, a rear container 32 and a ramp 24. Forward container 22 isgenerally circular in shape and includes sidewall 26 to hold water.Container 22 resembles a traditional pet water bowl so that it can beeasily recognized and used by pets. Curved ramp 24, located insideforward container 22, slopes upward from the front portion of container22 toward the rear of the container, as best seen in FIG. 3. Ramp 24 isdesigned to support water as it flows from the uppermost portion of ramp24 until it slides into container 22. The surface of ramp 24 has asmooth finish to reduce splashing and turbulent flow of water as itslides down the surface. Ledge 28, located on the top portion of ramp24, forms a semi-circular channel with a predetermined radius to directwater toward ramp 24. Lip 30, located on ledge 28, comprises a roundededge to promote smooth water flow as the water stream transitions fromledge 28 onto ramp 24. Ledge 28 and lip 30, taken together, direct andconcentrate the flow of water onto ramp 24 to establish a smooth, thickand splash free flow on the center of ramp 24. According to oneembodiment of the present invention, ramp 24 has a parabolic shape tominimize splashing as the water flows on ramp 24 from lip 30 to forwardcontainer 22. Ramp 24 can also be linear, circular, or any other shapethat is capable of supporting the water as it flows from lip 30 toforward container 22. The stream of flowing water on ramp 24 works notonly to attract pets to the waterer, but also disturbs the surfacetension of water in container 22 to inhibit bacteria and fungus growth.

Referring to FIG. 4, rear container 32 is crescent shaped and isattached adjacent forward container 22 to permit water to freely flowbetween both containers. Pump 56 (FIG. 2), held in position by supportbrackets 36, is a standard submersible pump having an electric motorwith impeller, suction port 58 and a discharge port 60. Pump 56 producesa variable flow rate ranging from approximately 15-40 gallons per hourby positioning flow regulator (not shown) to increase or decrease theflow rate of the pump. Pump 56 can be powered by either household A.C.electricity or batteries. Power is supplied to pump 56 via a power cord(not shown) that is directed through cord opening 38 on the rearcontainer. Container 32 holds a sufficient amount of water in order tocover submersible pump 56 so that suction port 58 is completelysubmerged. In this configuration the operation of the pump producesminimal noise.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, a pair of carrying handles 40 are formed onlower container 20, located beneath rear container 32. While only onehandle 40 can be seen, a second handle 40 is present on the oppositeside in mirror image.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, water treatment apparatus 42 is used tofilter and clean the water as it is pumped from lower container 20.Water is pumped from lower container 20 to intake chamber 46 via lifttube 44 (best seen in FIG. 6). The diameter of lift tube opening 54 isproperly sized to reduce turbulence and prevent splashing when waterenters intake chamber 46. As water enters intake chamber 46, an equalamount of water exits via channel 47 to upper reservoir 48, where thewater is filtered. Overflow drain 52, located slightly higher than theoperating water level in reservoir 48, is designed to prevent overflowin reservoir 48. Overflow drain 52 directs water from reservoir 48 torear container 32 for eventual re-circulation back to water processingapparatus 42.

Filter 50 (FIG. 5) removes dust, dirt, hair, or any other debris thatcollects from operating the watering device. Filter 50 is mostpreferably a removable carbon based filter with a polyester coveringthat is mounted diagonally across upper reservoir 48 and extending theentire height of the reservoir. Particulate is filtered from the wateras it travels from channel 47 toward ledge 28. After filtration, thewater exits over curved ledge 28 and onto ramp 24, where the waterslides into forward container 22.

Water processing apparatus 42 is attached above rear container 32 sothat lift tube 44 is aligned with pump discharge port 60. Waterprocessing apparatus 42 can be detached from rear container 32 withoutusing tools when the owner desires to clean or store the apparatus. Wheninstalling processing apparatus 42, a guide stem (not shown) located onthe underside of the water processing apparatus is inserted into guideport 31 for aligning with lower container 20. Further, detent members43, 43′ and 43″ (not shown) are aligned with alignment ports 33, 33′ and33″ (FIG. 4) and are gently pushed together so that processing apparatus42 rests securely on the lower container. In order to detach waterprocessing apparatus 42, a slight force is applied in the oppositedirection to release the apparatus from rear container 32.

Storage reservoir 62, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, provides a constantsupply of water to lower container 20 in order to reduce the frequencyin which the owner must add water to the apparatus. In addition, storagereservoir 62 helps to maintain a minimum water level in container 20 sothat suction port 56 remains submerged at all times. This helps tomaintain virtually silent operation.

Reservoir 62 comprises an opening 70 for filling the reservoir withwater. When storage reservoir 62 is filled, valve assembly 63 isinserted over opening 70 to regulate water flow from the reservoir. Asbest seen in FIG. 2, valve assembly 63 comprises a cover 64, a stem 66and a cap 68, all operable together to regulate the flow of water intolower container 20. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, cap 68 comprises athreaded interior 78 to easily attach the valve assembly to threads 82on reservoir 62. Stem 66, which is attached to the bottom side of cover64, is inserted into opening 80 (FIG. 10). The diameter of opening 80 isslightly larger than the stem diameter to permit the stem to sliderelative to opening 80. When valve assembly 63 is installed andreservoir 62 is holding water, the weight of the water seats cover 64 onannular ridge 84 and provides a sufficient seal to prevent water flowthrough opening 86. Thus, when carrying storage reservoir 62 from there-fill area to the watering device, no spilling occurs.

Once reservoir 62 is filled, it is placed above rear container 32 andadjacent water processing apparatus 42. Cover 64 and stem 66, whichextends downward from reservoir 62, are pushed upward by bump 34 (FIG.4) to allow water to flow through opening 86. When the water level inlower container 20 falls below a minimum level from use or byevaporation, water will be gravity fed into container 20 to replenishthe water supply. This configuration provides substantially silentoperation as pump 56 is submerged at all times during operation,regardless of whether or not water is delivered to the lower containerin a non-splashing manner. After reservoir 62 empties, the owner canremove the reservoir from waterer 18 using grips 73, to detach valveassembly 63 and re-fill the device for continued use. Reservoir 62comprises a flat storage surface 72 to allow owners to place it on flatsurfaces when filling or storing the device.

Alternatively, a control switch (not shown) can be optionally installedto automatically shut off pump 56 if the water level falls below apre-determined height.

Referring to FIG. 11, lid 74 can be seen. Lid 74 is positioned aboveremote storage reservoir 62 and water processing system 42 to preventpets from drinking from the upper reservoir and to add to the overallaesthetic appearance of watering apparatus 18.

During operation and use of the present invention, pump 56 is positionedinside rear container 32 and container 20 is filled with an amount ofwater to submerge pump suction port 58. An electrical power cord (notshown) is positioned to rest in slot 38 to provide power to pump 56.Water processing apparatus 42 is then placed over rear container 32 andconnected to pump 56. Reservoir 62 is filled at a remote water sourceand closed by placing valve assembly 63 over opening 70 to prevent waterfrom leaking as it is carried from the remote water source and placed inposition over rear container 32. As reservoir 62 is installed, bump 34pushes upward on stem 66 to gravity feed the water into container 20 ifthe water level in lower container 20 falls below a level insufficientto cover pump suction port 58. The power cord (not shown) is pluggedinto a conventional electrical outlet (not shown) to supply electricalpower to submersible pump 56.

In operation, pump 56 transfers water from lower container 32 to intakechamber 46 via intake tube 44. Water next passes into upper reservoir 48where debris is separated from the water to provide fresh re-circulatedwater. After filtration, water travels toward upper reservoir exit 49and onto curved ledge 28 where the water is concentrated into a narrowstream and directed over ledge 30 to provide a thick and smooth flowingstream as it travels on ramp 24. The flowing water provides sufficientcirculation to maintain a fresh supply of water to prevent water fromstagnating to maintain a fresh supply of water for extended periods.Water is then re-circulated through the system via pump 56 and theprocess is repeated until pump 56 has been de-activated.

The present invention can be used with or without filter 50 and storagereservoir 62, if desired. In an alternate embodiment not here shown,waterer apparatus 18 can be constructed and operated without usingprocessing apparatus 42. In operation, water is pumped and transportedfrom a container for holding water where pets can drink therefrom. Usingpump 56 and lift tube 44, water is directed from lift tube 44 onto ramp24 by ledge 28, which connects lift tube 44 with ramp 24.

The components of waterer device 18 are constructed using a lightweightwater resistant plastic material and are most preferably formed byinjection molding. Container 62 is preferably blow molded and fabricatedfrom a translucent or clear plastic material to allow the water level tobe observed while mounted on the waterer.

Other alterations and modifications of the invention will likewisebecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading thepresent disclosure, and it is intended that the scope of the inventiondisclosed herein be limited only by the broadest interpretation of theappended claims to which the inventor is legally entitled.

We claim:
 1. A continuous watering device for small pets producingminimal noise and splashing, comprising: a lower container for holdingwater wherein at least a portion of said lower container has an open topto allow pets to drink from said lower container; an upper reservoir forholding water located above said lower container; a pump having asuction port and a discharge port wherein said suction port removeswater from said container and said discharge port directs water to saidupper reservoir; a smooth and curved ramp having a top and a bottom andspaced apart sides and having a flat center portion disposed betweensaid sides to support a stream of flowing water as the water moves fromthe upper reservoir at said top of said ramp to the lower container atsaid bottom of said ramp; and a ledge attached to said upper reservoirhaving a curved lip and a curved cross sectional area wherein saidcurved lip creates a thick and smooth water flow upon exiting the upperreservoir to reduce noise and splashing and said curved cross sectionalarea directs the stream of flowing water onto the flat center portion ofthe curved ramp so as to contain the water flow on the ramp at all timesto prevent splashing and noise as the water flows downward on said ramp.2. A continuous watering device for small pets producing minimal noiseand splashing as in claim 1, wherein said lower container includes aforward container and a rear container, said forward container having anopen top to allow pets to drink from said forward container and saidrear container being enclosed for maintaining said pump spaced apartfrom said forward container, wherein said pump is a submersible pumpwhereby all suction ports are submerged to reduce noise.
 3. A continuouswatering device for small pets producing minimal noise and splashing asin claim 2, wherein said pump further comprises a flow regulator to varythe rate of water flow through said pump.
 4. A continuous wateringdevice for small pets producing minimal noise and splashing as in claim1, wherein said upper reservoir further comprises an intake chamber toreceive water from said pump.
 5. A continuous watering device for smallpets producing minimal noise and splashing as in claim 4, wherein a lifttube connects the discharge port of said pump to the intake chamber toreduce splashing inside said intake chamber.
 6. A continuous wateringdevice for small pets producing minimal noise and splashing as in claim1, wherein the upper reservoir comprises a filter to remove any debrisfrom the flowing water.
 7. A continuous watering device for small petsproducing minimal noise and splashing as in claim 6, wherein the filteris a charcoal based filter surrounded by a polyester covering.
 8. Acontinuous watering device for small pets producing minimal noise andsplashing as in claim 1, wherein the upper reservoir comprises anoverflow drain to direct excess water from said upper reservoir to saidlower container to prevent the upper reservoir from overflowing.
 9. Acontinuous watering device for small pets producing minimal noise andsplashing as in claim 1, wherein said lower container further comprisesa pair of handles for carrying said continuous watering device.
 10. Acontinuous watering device for pets producing minimal noise andsplashing, comprising: a lower container for holding water wherein atleast a portion of said lower container has an open top to allow pets todrink from said lower container; an upper reservoir for holding waterlocated above said lower container; a pump having a suction port and adischarge port wherein said suction port removes water from saidcontainer and said discharge port directs water to said upper reservoir;a smooth and curved ramp having a top and a bottom and spaced apartsides and having a flat portion disposed between said sides to support astream of flowing water as the water moves from the upper reservoir atsaid top of said ramp to the lower container at said bottom of saidramp; a ledge attached to said upper reservoir having a curved lip and acurved cross sectional area wherein said curved lip creates a thick andsmooth water flow upon exiting the upper reservoir to reduce noise andsplashing and said curved cross sectional area directs the stream offlowing water onto the flat center portion of the curved ramp so as tocontain the water flow on the ramp at all times to prevent splashing andnoise as the water flows downward on said ramp; and a removable andportable storage reservoir further comprising a valve having an openposition and a closed position wherein said valve is in the closedposition when not installed on the continuous watering device so as toprevent water from leaking while said storage reservoir is beingtransported and said valve is in the open position when installed on thecontinuous watering device so as to continuously replenish and maintaina minimum water level in said lower container when water loss resultsfrom evaporation or drinking by pets.
 11. A continuous watering devicefor pets as in claim 10, wherein the removable and portable storagereservoir is translucent so that the water level may be observed withoutremoving the reservoir.
 12. A continuous watering device for pets as inclaim 10, wherein the removable and portable storage reservoir has atleast one flat side so that the storage reservoir can be stored in anupright position.
 13. A continuous watering device for pets as in claim10, wherein the removable and portable storage reservoir has at leastone grip so that the storage reservoir may be easily removed from thecontainer and carried.
 14. A continuous watering device for small petsproducing minimal noise and splashing as in claim 10, wherein the upperreservoir comprises a filter to remove any debris from the flowingwater.
 15. A continuous watering device for small pets producing minimalnoise and splashing as in claim 14, wherein the filter is a charcoalbased filter surrounded by a polyester covering.
 16. A continuouswatering device for small pets producing minimal noise and splashing asin claim 10, wherein the upper reservoir comprises an overflow drain todirect excess water from said upper reservoir to said lower container toprevent the upper reservoir from overfilling.
 17. A continuous wateringdevice for small pets producing minimal noise and splashing as in claim10, wherein said lower container includes a forward container and a rearcontainer, said forward container having an open top to allow pets todrink from said forward container and said rear container being enclosedfor maintaining said pump spaced apart from said forward container,wherein said pump is a submersible pump whereby all suction ports aresubmerged to reduce noise.
 18. A continuous watering device for smallpets producing minimal noise and splashing as in claim 17, wherein saidpump further comprises a flow regulator to vary the rate of fluid flowthrough said pump.
 19. A continuous watering device for small petsproducing minimal noise and splashing as in claim 10, wherein said lowercontainer further comprises a pair of handles for carrying saidcontinuous watering device.
 20. A continuous watering device for smallpets producing minimal noise and splashing, comprising: a container forholding water wherein at least a portion of said container has an opentop to allow pets to drink from said lower container; a lift tube totransport water from said container; a pump submerged under the water insaid container to eliminate noise and to remove water from the containerto the lift tube; a ramp to support a stream of flowing water as itmoves from the lift tube to the container wherein said ramp includes atop and a bottom and spaced apart sides and having a flat center portiondisposed between said sides to support a stream of flowing water; and aledge attached to said lift tube having a curved lip and a curvedcross-section wherein said curved lip creates a thick and smooth waterflow upon exiting the lift tube to reduce noise and splashing and saidcurved cross section directs the stream of flowing water onto the flatcenter portion of said curved ramp to prevent splashing and noise as thewater flows downward on said ramp.
 21. A continuous watering device forsmall pets producing minimal noise and splashing as in claim 20, whereinsaid lower container includes a forward container and a rear container,said forward container having an open top to allow pets to drink fromsaid forward container and said rear container being enclosed formaintaining said pump spaced apart from said forward container, whereinsaid pump is a submersible pump whereby the pump suction port issubmerged to reduce noise.
 22. A continuous watering device for smallpets producing minimal noise and splashing as in claim 21, wherein saidpump further comprises a flow regulator to vary the rate of water flowthrough said pump.
 23. A continuous watering device for small petsproducing minimal noise and splashing as in claim 20, wherein said lifttube transports water to an upper reservoir.
 24. A continuous wateringdevice for small pets producing minimal noise and splashing as in claim23, wherein the upper reservoir comprises a filter to remove any debrisfrom the flowing water.
 25. A continuous watering device for small petsproducing minimal noise and splashing as in claim 24, wherein the filteris a charcoal based filter surrounded by a polyester covering.
 26. Acontinuous watering device for small pets producing minimal noise andsplashing as in claim 23, wherein the upper reservoir comprises anoverflow drain to direct excess water from said upper reservoir to saidlower container to prevent the upper reservoir from overflowing.
 27. Acontinuous watering device for small pets producing minimal noise andsplashing as in claim 20, wherein said container for holding waterfurther comprises a pair of handles for carrying said continuouswatering device.
 28. A continuous watering device for small petsproducing minimal noise and splashing as in claim 20, wherein said rampis curved to reduce splashing.
 29. A continuous watering device forsmall pets producing minimal noise and splashing as in claim 20, whereina removable and portable storage reservoir is attached to said containerfor holding water comprising a valve having an open position and aclosed position wherein said valve is in the closed position when notinstalled on the continuous watering device so as to prevent water fromleaking while said storage reservoir is being transported and said valveis in the open position when installed on the continuous watering deviceso as to continuously replenish and maintain a minimum water level insaid container when water loss results from evaporation or drinking bypets.
 30. A continuous watering device for small pets producing minimalnoise and splashing, comprising: a container for holding water whereinsaid container includes a forward water container and a rear watercontainer, wherein said forward water container has an open top to allowpets to drink from said forward water container; said forward watercontainer being spaced apart from said rear water container; a lift tubeto transport water from said container; a pump submerged under the waterin said rear water container to eliminate noise while said pump removeswater from said container to the lift tube; a ramp to support a streamof flowing water as the water moves from said lift tube to said forwardwater container; and a ledge connecting said lift tube with said ramp todirect water onto said ramp to prevent splashing and noise as the waterflows downward on said ramp.
 31. A continuous watering device for smallpets producing minimal noise comprising: a container for holding avolume of water to permit pets to drink therefrom, said containerincluding a for ward container and a rear container wherein said forwardcontainer has an open top to allow the pets to drink therefrom; saidforward water container being spaced apart from said rear watercontainer; a submersible pump for circulating water located inside saidcontainer and being disposed within said rear container wherein saidsubmersible pump is completely submerged by said volume of water tomaintain silent operation; and a storage reservoir for holding waterwherein said storage reservoir automatically deposits water into saidcontainer to maintain a constant volume of water so that the submersiblepump remains submerged when pets drink from the container or when wateris lost from evaporation.